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Posted October 22, 2015, 4:13 pm

Two trophy bull elk investigated in the Book Cliffs

This bull was recently found dead in Big Park. We believe it died in early September.

This bull was found in the Flat Rock Spring area with a suspicious hole through its neck. We believe it died during the first week of October.

UINTAH COUNTY — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Conservation Officers received information concerning two trophy bull elk recently discovered less than 3/4-mile from one another in the Book Cliffs Unit.

Big Park area bull

On Oct. 6, 2015, Sergeant Dan Barnhurst investigated a 6x6 bull elk in the Big Park area. The bull was found several hundred yards from the nearest pond with water.

The bull appeared to have been in prime condition and is not believed to have died of natural causes, even though the cause of death was not determined. The bull died approximately one month prior.

Flat Rock Spring area bull

On Oct. 15, 2015, Officer Larry Wheatcraft investigated a 6x6 bull elk in the Flat Rock Spring area. This bull was found at the bottom of a wash with a large hole extending from one side of its neck to the other.

This bull appeared to have been in prime condition and is not believed to have died of natural causes. The elk appeared to have died approximately 4–7 days prior, during a spike-only hunt.

Reward offered

Anyone with information regarding either of these trophy bull elk is asked to call the UTIP hotline at 800-662-3337 or Conservation Officer Larry Wheatcraft at 435-322-0671. A reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the successful apprehension of those responsible. Your information will remain confidential.